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April 9, i? 63 


Memorandum 'Foy: 


From: 


individual*: 


Mr* Courtney Evani 



< i ' * 

t ' \ f * * , # • jjf, Hi * » i h6 

Would you pleaee conduct name cheek* on the following -b7c 

-■ *' " r * . ' ' 



^JOJiNSpN, Philip 
-PonW Street 


'■New Canaan* Connecticut 

1 / ' 1 ' 


♦ Full field aleodn tide one 


Dote of Birth: July 6 # 1$06 


,/ ClevelAodpOldo 

^ ♦ < * 


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**• oet»oN/i^oiu<i wo.. ip 


STATES COVER^^f. 

Memorandum 

44 



Mr. Evans 


date: 4-11-63 


■w 



'Trotter 
'Tele. Hoorn . 
Holme? ^ 
Gantfy 


W. V. Clevelanf 

Vm 

PHILIP CORTELYOU JOHNSON 
SPECIAL INQUIRY - WHITE HOUSE 

CL 

BACKGROUND y 

On 4-10-?63, we received a request from the White House for 
a name check and then a full field investigation of captioned 
individual, who is an architect in New York City. He is 56 years old 
and unmarried. . 




MAIN FILE CHECK 

The files indicate that we conducted an investigation of 
Johnson from 1941 to 1943. He is the son of a prominent Cleveland 
attorney, deceased, and had a private income from an estate valued at 
about $500,000. During the 1930s, prior to World War II, he was very 
active in sponsoring, associating with and actively promoting pro-Nazi 
and pro-Fascist programs, publications and activities. He was 
associated with such pro-Nazi and pro-Facist persons as Father Coughlin, 
Lawrence Dennis, Gerald L* K. Smith, Joseph E. MacWilliams and George 
Sylvester Viereck. He was also associated with two convicted German 
Agents, Mrs. Viola Bodenschadtz and Frederick E. Auhagen.£/*e— 37 73*/) 

Around 1934, Johnson organized a "Gray Shirt' 1 organization, 
a very anti-Semitic outfit. He was a follower of Huey Long and it 
was said that Johnson wanted to be the "Hitler" of this country and, 
in 1934, believed Huey Long was going to gain control of the United 
States and he, Johnson, depose Long. 


Johnson was publicly name 
and sympathizer in such publicatio 
"Harpers Magazine" and Fortune^ llag 

In the book, "Berlin »D 


as ^Fascist and Nazi apologist 
the "Cleveland Press," 

m '*/$/- 

ry K by William L. Shirer, he relates 
that on 9-18-39, a trip was made from Berlin to the Polish Corridor and 
the party stopped for the night near Danzig. Shirer said Nazi sPropo- 
ganda Ministry officials insisted that he share a » double room with 
Johnson, ^'Jan American Fascist who-says he represents Father Coughlin's 
'Social Justice.'" Shirer said, "none of us could stand ithe fellow 
and suspect he ,1s spying on us for the Nazis." Shirer' was interviewed 
in 1941 and reiterated the comments in hifWbnnl r ibout J ohnson and 


1 - Mr. Bartlett 


9 APR 23 1363 



A 


'* V 






Memorandum to Mr. Evans 

RE: PHILIP CORTELTOU JOHNSON 

stated that Johnson, was feted by the German authorities in charge of 
the press correspondents and they were ‘quite solicitious about his 
welfare. 

Johnson traveled extensively in Germany during the 1930s and 
was well received by Nazi officials. He went to Germany in the Summer 
of 1938, specifically to attend the Nazi Party Congress held in 
Nuremberg. He also attended a Nazi training school while in 'Germany. 

In 1939* he was in Germany as a correspondent for Father Coughlin’s 
magazine ’’Social Justice” and accompanied German troops into Poland. 

He was described as a fanatic on the subject of Nazism and 
Fascism and was described as very anti-Semitic in his. feelings. One 
person described him as ”a homosexual type” and it was stated that he 
was ’’flighty” and had three nervous breakdowns while attending Harvard 
University. 

In 1940*, an Office of Naval Intelligence Agent advised that 
Johnson was pro-Nazi and had been in. Germany at the time of the 
Polish invasion by Germany. He said that Johnson was allegedly a 
pervert. A person who had known Johnson for 9 years advised, in 1941, 
he had the reputation of being a sexual P erver ‘^ wrence 

In 1942, we interviewed Johnson about/Dennis, as we had a 
Registration Act case on «him. (Dennis was one of the defendants in the 
Sedition trials in Washington, D. C., which resulted in a mistrial 
upon the death of the trial judge on 7-12-44.) During that interview, 
Johnson attempted to explain away his pro - Nazi activities and claimed 
that he had severed all relationships with questionable persons and 
indicated that he had changed his feelings toward Nazism. 


It was further stated that Johnson’s family were 
respectable persons and were quite annoyed by his ’’peculiarities.” 
Johnson was inducted into the United States Army 3-rl2-43. 

ACTION: 


be 

b7C 


It is believed that, under the circumstances, jthe above 
informatio n concerning Johnson should be discussed with 


at the White House by Liaison and it be determined it ne 


still desires an investigation of Johns 





.. 


- 2 - 






0 

PHILIP CORTELYOU JOHNSON 


April 11, 1963 



/ 


The files indicate that the FBI conducted an inves- 
tigation of Johnson from 1941 to 1943, Since, during the 
1930's, prior to World War II, he was very active in sponsoring, 
associating with and actively promoting pro-Nasi and pro-Fascist 
programs* He is the son of a prominent Cleveland attorney, 
now deceased, and had private income from an estate valued at 
about $500,000* 

Johnson was associated with such pro-Nani and pro- 
Fascist persons as Father Coughlin, Lawrence Dennis, Gerald L. X* 
Smith, Joseph X, McWilliams and George Sylvester Tiereck* He 
was also associated with two convicted German agents, Mrs* Viola 
Bodenschadtz and Frederick X* Auhagen. 


Around 1934, Johnson organised a "Gray Shirt” organi- 
zation which was very anti-Semitic* He was a follower of Huey 
Long, and it was said that Johnson wanted to be the "Hitler” 
of this country an<t in 1934, believed that &iey Long was going 
to gain control of the United States and he, Johnson, would 
then depose Long* 

Johnson was publicly named as a Fascist and Nasi 
apologist and sympathizer in such publications as the "Cleveland 
Press , ” 'Harpers Magazine , " and "Fortune Magazine • " 

Johnson was described as a fanatic on the subject ^ 
of Nazism and Fascism and as being anti-Semitic in his feelings .A » 
One person described him as a "homosexual type" and it was 
stated that he was "flighty" and had three nervous breakdowns // 
while attending Harvard University. In 1940, an agent of the (A 
Office of Naval Intelligence advised that Johnson was allegedly 
a sexual pervert. Another person, who had known Johnson for 
nine years [advised, in 1941, he had the reputation of being a 
sexual pervert and maintained a homosexual relationship with 
one Alan Blackburn, who assisted Johnson in forming the "Gray 
Shirts." 


Johnson traveled extensively in Germany during the 
1930's and was well received by Nazi officials* He went to 
Germany in the Summer of 1938 specifically to attend, the 

^ ‘ 2*\QZ - A 

ft 


DHYrpaa 
( 5 ) 


^7 APR 2. 9 W 



NOT .RECORDED 






b6 

b7C 




Philip 


Cortelyou Johnson 


Nazi Party Congress held in Nuremberg. He also attended a 
Nazi training school while in Germany. In 1939 he was in 
Germany as a correspondent for Father Coughlin's magazine, 

"Social Justice" and accompanied German troops into Poland. 

In his book, "Berlin Diary," William L. Bhirer 
relates that on 9/18/39 a trip was made, by a group of 
correspondents, from Berlin to the Polish Corridor, and 
the party stopped for the night near Danzig. Bhirer said 
Nazi Propaganda Ministry officials insisted that he share 
a double room with Johnson, "an American Fascist who says he 
represents Father Coughlin's 'Social Justice.'" Bhirer said, 
"none of us could stand the fellow and suspect he is spying 
on us for the Nazis," Bhirer was interviewed in 1941 and 
reiterated his comments in his book about Johnson and stated 
that Johnson was feted by the German authorities in charge 
of the press correspondents and they were quite solicitous 
about his welfare. 

In 1942 Johnson was interviewed about Lawrence 
Dennis, as Dennis was the subject of a Foreign Agents 
Registration Act case. (Dennis was one of the defendants 
in the Sedition trials held in Washington, D. C., which 
resulted in a mistrial upon the death of the trial judge on 
7/12/44.) During that interview, Johnson attempted to explain 
away his pro-Nazi activities and claimed that he had severed 
all relationships with questionable persons and indicated 
that he had changed his feelings toward Nazism, 

It was further stated that Johnson's family were 
respectable persons and were quite annoyed by his "peculiarities. 
Johnson was Inducted into the United States Army on 3/12/43. 


ornoNAi «*m no. t» 


UNITED STATES COVER^^ENT 

Memorandum 


% 


Totsoa 


9 


FROM 


subject: 


Mr. W. C. Su 


D. J. Brennan, Jr 


date; April 15, 1963 



&> 


PHILLIP CORTBLYOU JOHNSON 
SPECIAL INQUIRY - WHITE HOUSE 



Tele.ftoom i 
Holsne* , 
Candy , 


0 » 


/ 


My 4-12-63 memorandum to you in the above-captioned 
matter, which is on t he Director^ tickler list , advised that 
Liaison would contact| I at the White 

House on Monday. 4 - 15 ^551 
advise 



The purpose or this contact is to 
concerning the derogatory information 
lies on the subject. On 4-10-63 


reau 

requested the Bureau to conduct a background 


investigation of the subject. 


b6 

blC 


_Qn_4=j.5-63 Liaison Agent Bartlett determined from 

office that he will not be at the White House 


until the President returns to Washington from Florida on 
either Wednesday nig ht. 4-17-63. oy Thursday morning, 4-18-63. 
Liaison will contact 
to the White House. 1 


immediately upon his return 


ACTION: 




For information. 


1 - Miss Holmes 
1 - Mr. Belmont 
1 - Mr. Evans 
1 - Mr. Sullivan 
1 - Mr. Young 
1 - Liaison 
1 - Mr. Bartlett 

0HB:mlp M 

( 8 ) 



/ 



5% 




* * i 


/£/ 21)82. 

NOT RECORDED 

9 


’1 


if} * 

67 APR 29 1963 






/ ^ 

OfnOKAC fOKM mo, 10 

\jNlTED STATES GOVERNMENT 

Memorandum 


to / : ME* W. C. SI 

9 

FROM : D. J. BRENN. 


date: -April 12, 1963 


CO 

* -Bn, 


Totson * 
Bolmont, 

M QtiX awii 

Cosper * 
CjUshcm 
^onyod ** 
..DoLoach 
Evan? 
‘Cofc - . 



FROM : D. J. BRENN^Ljg^ 

subject: PHILIP C0RTELY01W0HNS0N 

SPECIAL INQUIRY - WHITE HOUSE 


The April 11, 1963, memorandum from W* 
Mr. Evans, in the above captioned matter, which j 
tickler list, requested Liaison to contact^ 
at the White House and advise him concerning xne 


^iiniihrr ii I, 

TqveJ mm. 

Trotter 

X)TeW« Room 

/ Hotme* mi - 

/ Gantfy 

V* Cleveland to 
Ls on the Director* j ? 

background ox jonnson. 


| requested the Bureau on April 10, 1963, to 

conduct a background investigation of Johnson; however, due to the 
voluminous derogatory dat a already in our files, the Director approved 
contacting ! I to determine if he still desires tt^at the 

investigation be conducted* « 

* Vjh 

On A pril 12, 1963, Liaison Agent Bartlett determined* that 

| is away for the weekend and will return on Mfi’nday,, 

April 15, 1963* Liaison will contact him at that time and^ou will 
bo advised of his decision* ^ " 


ACTION: 


For information* 


Miss Holmes 
Mr* Belmont 
Mr* Evans 
Mr* Sullivan 
Mr* Young 
Liaison 
Mr. Bartlett 


a 


OHBibjj 





-/?/“ 2'tt8Z 

not recorded” 

8 

' i 


-6 


67 APR rk 1563 


;.P S W 




4-42 (Rev, '£.i£«0) 4 * - '• 

j* ’^Federal. Bureau of Instigation 
t 43 s« Records Branch 


i — l lVame Searching Unit * Room 6527 

I 1 Service Unit » Room 6524 

I 1 Forward to File Review 


I9ie_3 


1 J Attentioi 

GElTReturn t 


x53^— b7c 


or 

Room Ext. 


Ty pe of R eferences requested:- 

LU ^.Regular Request (Analytical Search) 

All References (Subversive & Nonsubversivei 
I— Cl] Subversive References Only « 

A > \ — J Nonsubversive References Only 

cm Main References Only g* / 

1 ! 

Ty pe of Search Requested: Y 

| I Restricted to Locality of ■■■ - 

1 I Exact Name Onl y (On the Nose) 

1 f Buildup Cm Variations 


Subject 

Birthdate &(QIace Jj 
Address 


Searcher. 
. Initials,-: 



L 



FILE NUMBER 


SERIAL 


















fc*M no.* i« 

UNITED STATES GOVERnS^T 

r Memorandum 

/ TO : HR. W. C. SULLIVAN 
from : d. J. BRENNAN, JR.. 


totson 4 
JBeJtmoat j 
Mohr 

Casper - 
CallaKa 


date: April 17, 1963 



*3al« •■nwwx 

?Vaeen 
■SvUivcm^S 
Tavel r-nr-y, 
t cotter jMiiM. 
Tele, ftoom 
Halme* ^ 
Canjy 


subject: PHILIP CORTELYOU JOHNSON ft , V '\ALdlJJj, 

SPECIAL INQUIRY - WHITE HOUSE « r VW^ 

Reference is made to the memorandum from Hr. Cleveland 
to Hr. Evans dated April 11, 1963, in the above - cautioned matter , 
A name che ck and investigation were requested by 

H of the White House on April 10, 1963* ^ ^ 

> > 

Considerable derogatory information concerning Johnson 
appeare d in the Bureau files, and Liaison was instructed to 
contact !" I to determine if he desired that, the • 

investigation be done. 

at 

Hn-late afternoon, April 17, 1963 » Liaison Agent saw 

I I upon his return to the Wh ite House, and after 

learning of the derogatory information. I I said 

that. ."no further action should be taken and that the White House 
would give r no further consideration to the appointment of 
Johnson on the Fine Arts Commission. 


ACTION: 


For information. 


jhteT 7 ^ jjf\ 


OHB: 

(8) 


1-Hiss Holmes 
1-Hr. Belmont 
l->Ir. Evans 
1-Hr. Sullivan 
1-Hr. Young 
1-Liaison 
1-Hr. Bartlett 


JJotre^orded 
9 APRJ^il263 f 

—/%> — 


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f 




1 


September 7, 1966 
BY LIAISON 


Honorable Marvin Watson 
Special Assistant to the President 
The White House 
Washington, D. C. 

Dear Mr. Watson: 


~n 

Referen ce is made to the name check request from 

|relative to the White House affair to bo hoidC° 
on September 12, 1966. »-i 

The central files of the FBI contain no pertinent 
derogatory information concerning ithe following individuals: 


* 
* r 
o 

cr 

f 

50 

m 

> 

o 

5c 

o 

o 

o 

X 


The fingerprint files of the FBI Identification Division 
contain no arrest data identifiable with the above individuals. 


individuals: 


Attached are memoranda concerning the following 



1 * 

PhiliiAJohnson 







A / 



AA P 


• f 

A copy of this communication has not been sent to 






tw 

N> 

O 

-o 

rc 

OD 


be 

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"ftosea 
Sullivon 
Tovel 
Trotter 

r„i , |. 


,s 1 j[:Sin^ er<^1 7flcSfi.^,l2 1966 

1 - Mr. DeLoach (sent direct) , jA 

1 - Mr. Gale (Vj^'^rV AX 

IT 1 - Mr. Rosen ' 

Enclosures (11) -X JCF:jer (8) 

r» \ 


NO'T PTrronppn , 


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v 

P 9 BKP 





w 

M 


♦H 

Pci 

O 

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4 1 




• Federal Bureau of Investigation 
Records Bra^J^ 


, 19 . 


□ Name Searching Unit - Room 5527 
,IZI2''Service Unit * Room 6524 
J Forward to File Review 
J, „ . - .IxAttentionr 


G> 


Lf^JHeturn to 


Type of Reference! 



nzbu* rGffar Request' (Analytical Search) 

CSaII References (Subversive & Nonsubversive) 
I. . J subversive References Only 
1— - — I Nonsubversive References Only 
L iMaln-. ...References Only 


Ty pe of Search Requested: 

L I Restricted to Locality of 

( J Exact Name Onl y (On .the Nose) 

1 I Buildup CZDVari 







»E CLASSIFICATION AUTHORITY DERIVED FROM: 
LFB I AUTOHAT I C DECLASSIFICATION GUIDE 
I 1 DATE 03-07-2011 


-ee&££B2£i332XL 


A v 






Honorable Alexander P. Butterfield 
Deputy Assistant to the President 
The White House 
Washington, D. C. 


Dear Mr. Butterfield: 


concerning 


July 21, 1971 
BY LIAISON 



ade to your name check request 
and Philip C. Johnson. 


Attached are separate memoranda concerning 
these individuals. 

This letter of transmittal may be declassified 
when the enclosure bearing a classification is removed. 

Sincerely yours, 

Ell09 



Enclosures (3) 




289P* Rv^oRnRD 
1% JUL 82 19 


Va.jUL^ 97 ' 


- ] “ Mr. Mohr - Enclosures (sent direct),; 

».c.d 1 ~ Mr. Gale - Enclosures (sent direct) 

U1 . f i 1 

Z=i: ADA:mc^(7 ) bYUMSQM 

n_. MV 

^D^SeTYPE UNIT! 1 



!- * 9 .. *, f 

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ORIGINAL FILED 



July 21, 1971 


PHILIP e^JOHNSON I 

4 / 

Captioned individual, who you advised was born on , 
June 8, 1906, in Cleveland, Ohio, and presently resides at 
112 feast 55th Street, New York, New York, may be identical with 
Philip Coftelyan Johnson also known as Philip Cortelyou Johnson 
who was the subject of a security-type investigation conducted by 
the FBI from 1941 to 1943. 


Attached is a copy of a memorandum dated 
September 4, 1964, summarizing data on Johnson which is maintained 
in FBI files. (161-2482) 


In October, 1959, [ 


New Canaan, 

Connecticut, Police Department, advised that Philip C. Johnson, 
Ponus Ridge Road, New Canaan, Connecticut, born in 1906, was 
arrested on April 9, 1954, for violation of rules of the road and on 
April 19, 1954, for speeding. No disposition is known for the first 
violation, but in the second instance he was fined $14 and the com- 
plaint was withdrawn*. (100-32734-42) 


The central files of the FBI, including the files of the 
Identification Division, contain no additional pertinent information 
concerning captioned individual based upon background information 
submitted in connection with this name check request* 


Enclosure 

J f* 


ToUon 
Felt ^ 
.SelHvah 


Mohr — r - r . , -i-u-c. 
Bishop , T .-^^ rL - l l f , 
Brennan, C.D, 


Callahan 
Casper 
Conrad 
Dalbey 
Gale 
Ponder^ 
Rosen 
Tavel , 
Walters 
.Soyars . 
Tele, Ro<>m , 
Holmes 
Gandy,^^. 



NOTE: Per request of Alexander 
the President. 



MAIL BOOUCD TELETYPE UNIT I I 


P. Butterfield, Deputy Assistant to 




/0/ ■ 2 AM / 



4-22 (Rev. 6-2S-73) 

Federal Bureau^fTn^jtigation 
Records Sectfjr' 


19 - 


1 — . . l Naroe Searching Unit - Room 6527 

1 1 Service Unit - Room 6524 

1— ....1 Forward to File Review 
| — | Attention - - 

L — J Return to 


Supervisor Room Ext. 


Ty pe of R eferences Requested:- 

1 i Reqular Request (Analytical Search) 

□ All References (Subversive & Nonsubveraivety 

1 1 Subversive References Only rI/\ y 

j j Nonsubversive References Only (\/ 

i— — J Main j References OnlV 

— — Au+c kAULLt& < 4 WU. 

- t ' W A 1 


Ty pe of Search Requested: 

1— . i Restricted to Locality of 



*jX 


^.1. ■ I «.i,— J OtVOVAAV VV v* W MV vu AASJ A -- - -- - - 

1 I Exact Name Onl y (On the Nose) 

1 I Buildup □ Variation^ 


Subject 
Birthdate <S Place 
Address , —3^ 


. n ,A 

-mzifB, 


— ^4 



Date , 


A 


7. V 


FILE NUMBER 


Searcher jZjt 
Initials AULZL 

SERIAL 


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M- Z.y.QS' 


m 


JJ Ucrrj 










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logo! Covft. — —jj -f— 


P.AILECI 

tfovcsiber / 
MR. AND HRS. PHILIP C. ^OHNSON * M ‘ V5 JW$iS 


QmuP c on. 




Mrs. Johnson has not been -the. subject of an 
investigation conducted by the FBI; however, Mr. Johnson, who 
you advised can be contacted at 375 P ark Av enue, New^Yprk, j 
NewYork, .J! ,«"* may be identical wltlT Philip 'C6Ft1elvan%ohhsoh , 
also known as Philip Cortelyou Johnson, who was the subject of 
a security- type investigation conducted by the FBI from 1941 
until 1943. In addition, a name check was made by the White 
House during July, 1971. Attached is a copy of a summary 
memorandum dated September 4, 1954, together with a copy of a 
memorandum dated July 21, 1971. (161-2482) 


The central files of the FBI, including the files 
of the Identification Division, contain no additional pertinent 
Information concerning captioned Individuals based upon back- 
ground information submitted in connection with this name 
check request. 


Enclosures (2) 

(Adi Qk l LIP C,%20kri 


REO-73 


:,■/ 


16 ) 



Ofrnd fir/c'i' 1 


21 NOV 20 1974 


fY#W 


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A**0C, 

P*>* AD A4m. m 
Do>. AD lev, 
As$*< Oho 
Aimlh. . rai ^ 1 _- rr , , n r 


NOTE: Fer request of 

(Security) , The White House, 


], Staff Assistant 


Com#, jyit, tmmm 
txf< Avoirs 
file* A Com. ^ 
Com. |nv, , UL 

Mom. 11L .,-^, iri , 


vtf 


ToUpKono 
Director Soo'y 


3 


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■mail room CD 


a 


TELETYPE UNIT CD 






1 . 1 Exact Name Onl y (On the Nose) 

CH Buildup 1 1 Variations 












♦ i 

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE ^ 

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION 
WASHINGTON. D.C. J«JS 


September 4, 1964 


PHILIP CORTELYOU JOHNSON 


Philip Johnson, architect of many outstanding projects, 
including Museum of Modern Art Annex & Sculpture Court, and author of 
’’The International Style, " was born on July 8, 1906, Cleveland, Ohio. 

The files indicate that the FBI conducted an investigation 
of Johnson from 1941'to 1943, since, during the 1930’s, prior to World War 
II, he was very active in sponsoring, associating with and actively promoting 
pro-Nazi and pro-Fascist programs. He is thefson of a prominent Cleveland 
attorney, now deceased, and had private income from an estate valued at 
about $500,000. 

Johnson was associated with such pro-Nazi and pro-Fascist 
persons as Father Cou ghlin. Lawrence.Dennis^_GeralfLL.-K^.Smith T . .Joseph , 
E. McWilliams and George. Sylvester Viereck. He was also associated with 
two convicted German agents, Mrs. Viola Bodenschadtz and .Frederick E. 
Auhagen. ■ 


Around 1934, Johnson organized a ’’Gray Shirt” organization 
which was very anti-Semitic. He was a follower bf 'SHuey'Long,, and it was 
said that Johnson wanted to be the ’’Hitler” of ihi§' country and, in 1934, 
believed that Huey Long was going to gain control of the United States and 
he, Johnson, would then depose Long. 

Johnson was publicly named as a Fascist and Nazi apologist 
and sympathizer in such publications as the ’’Cleveland Press,” ’’Harper’s 
Magazine, ” and "Fortune Magazine. ’’ 


Johnson was described as a fanatic on the subject of Nazism and 
Fascism and as being anti-Semitic in his feelings One person described 
him as a ’’homosexual type" and it was stated that he was v ’fflighty” and had 
three nervous breakdowns while attending Harvard University. In 1940, an 
agent of the Office of Naval Intelligence advised that Johnson was allegedly 
a sexual, pervert.. Another person, who had known Johnson for nine years 

\ 'i *' 

NOTE: (Per request of 


b6 

b7C 


JVBrskd 

( 9 ) 


SEE REVERSE SIDE FOR 
ADD. DKSEMINATKJH. 




• ’*• ■ ' 

• m 

Philip Cortelyou Johnson 


advised, in 1941^ he had the reputation of being a sexual pervert and maintained 
a homosexual relationship with one Alan Blackburn, who. assisted Johnson 
in forming the ’’Gray Shirts. ” 

Johnson traveled extensively in Germany during the 1930's 
and was well receivedby Nazi officials. He went to Germany in the Summer 
of 1938 specifically to attend the Nazi Party Congress held in Nuremberg. 

He also attended a Nazi training school while in Germany. In 1939 he was4n 
Germany as a correspondent for Father Coughlin’s magazine, "Social justice," 
and accompanied German troops .into Poland. 

In his book, "Berlin Diary," William L. Shirer relates that 
on‘9-18-39 a trip /was made, by a group of correspondents, from Berlin to 
the Polish Corridor, and the party stopped for the night near Danzig. Shirer , 
said Nazi Propaganda Ministry officials insisted that' he share a double room with* 
Johnson, "an American Fascist who says he represents Father Coughlin’s 
’Social Justice. ’ " Shirer said, "none of us could stand the fellow and suspect he 
is spying on us for the Nazis. " Shirer was interviewed in 1941 and reiterated 
his comments in his book about Johnson and stated that Johnson was feted by 
the German authorities in charge of the press correspondents and they were • 
quite solicitous about his welfare. 

In 1942, Johrison was interviewed about/Lawrence Dennis, as 
Dennis was the subjecbof a Foreign Agents -Registration Act case. (Dennis 
was one of the defendants in the;Sediti6nltrials held in Washington, D. C. , 
which resulted in a mistrial upon the death of the triabjudge.on 7-12-44.) 

During that interview, Johnson attempted to explain away his pro-Nazi 
activities and claimed that he had severed all relationships' with questionable 
persons and indicated'that he'had changed his feelings toward Nazism. 

It was further stated that Johnson’s family were respectable 
persons and were quite annoyed by.his "peculiarities." Johnson was inducted 
into the United States Army on 3-12-43. 


- 2 - 


r 



Philip Johnson undoubtedly is identical with 
Philip Cortelyaa Johnson on whom the White House requested a 
full field investigation on April 10, 1963. 


In reference to this request, a memorandum 
summarizing data on Johnson in FBI files was prepared under date 
of April 11, 1963, and furnished to the White House. After reviewing 
this memorandum, a copy of which is attached, the White House 
advised that no further action should be taken on its request for an 
investigation of Mr. Johnson and that no further consideration would 
be given to the appointment of this individual on the Fine Arts 
Commission. (161-2482-3 and 6) 


In October, 1959, 


l Hew Canaan 


Police Department, New Canaan, Connecticut, advised a Special Agent 
of the FBI that Philip C, Johnson, residing on Ponus Ridge Road, 

New Canaan, born in 1906, was arrested on April 9, 1954, for violation 
of rules of the road, no disposition shown; and on April 19, 1954, for 
speeding, fined $14, but complaint was withdrawn. No other information 
was available concerning Johnson. (100-32734-42) 


FBI files contain no additional pertinent information 
concerning captioned individual. 

The fingerprint files of the Identification Division of 
the FBI contain no arrest data identifiable with captioned individual 
based upon background information submitted in connection wtth this 
name check request. 


* rtbi soft ->**** 

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Mohr Tf-rr 
Wick .WWMh 
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Holmes M*. 
.Gandy 


Enclosure 


NOTE: Per request of 


White House Staff. 


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